You Float Me

You Float Me

By: Joy Ortiz

You float me

On my back

In endless waters,

And I lie,

Ears and eyes submerged,

Facing heaven. 

I spread my arms wide,

Inhaling and exhaling

You. 

My feet dangle

From loose legs,

Relaxed and weightless

Beneath the surface.

You are there,

My center,

My breath,

My life. 

When my arms are tired

Of endless swimming

And my eyes,

Blinded by brine,

Cannot see the shore, 

You fill my lungs.

I cease my struggle. 

I lie down. 

Without you,

I'm drowning,

Pulled under by it all. 

I could panic. 

I could swim for my life

North, west, east, or South,

Guided by the brightest star. 

I could kick and scream. 

I could fight the waves. 

You quiet me. 

In stillness I find you

Within me. 

I am a child,

Weak and small,

With no strength

To traverse this ocean,

Yet I am saved.

You keep me from sinking

As the tides travel

To an unseen land.

Whither do I go,

And how long

Until I arrive?

Yet I must rest

Or die of exertion,

Swallowed by the sea. 

In this moment

You float me.